Liver Transplant for Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC)

Thank you so much I am trying a meal called factor and so far pretty good , thanks for all the great info ! Mike

Hey Mike,

Pretty much what Rosemary says. Low sodium, low fat. I don’t eat meat, but I needed more protein, so had fish, tofu, beans, occasional turkey, and used protein powder. I had very low iron, so was put on high iron, plus zinc and potassium supplements. And, because of huge cramps I took natural electrolytes as a tincture. As I got more ill, my appetite waned, so I switched to smoothies, with fruit, soy milk, protein powder.
I’d definitely talk with your new doctor after you take your labs. That’ll be an indication for supplements you may need. And, also make sure you’re eating food protein, not so much meat, but fish, bean.

Yea one of my problems is diet dr pepper, been drinking less every day , my cramps were so bad they gave me something called quinine sulfate 324 mg, sure there not good for you but i am talking you could walk in the room and I wouldnt even know they were so bad, I am making smoothies now and they are good, thanks for all the great info you guys are a great group of people ! Mike

I’m sorry you’re cramps are so bad. I had to give up on using knifes as my hand would cramp up so much around the handle…excruciating! Definitely talk to your new doctor. Potassium and magnesium supplements seemed to help me. I did quinine too…dreadful taste though! Glad you’re cutting back on pop…definitely not good on the body. And, smoothies! Good for you. Great way to get protein and fruits/veggies!

Do you see your new doctor this week?

Yea my hands do sometimes , its the ones in the back of my thigh that someone could walk up and hit me with a bat and I wouldnt know they were there , a friend was telling me how bad he gets them then he saw me get one, said it was painful for him to see . Yea the pop is my down fall ! I think couple things bother me the most, since I am always outside working every time i bump my hand or arm , by the end of the day looks like I was in a butcher shop and bruises wow, I have a bad back and the sciatic nerve is a killer, many days have to stop and let it clam down, and a drop foot but crazy thing is I didnt have any of this before my liver problem , I find it amazing what your live does or doesnt do , oh and the joint pain in knees, omg ! No I did not and i am not sure what happened , it sounds like I am going to see a team of doctors at SLU, but they have all my records and said should get me in early next week! Thanks so much , Mike

I know, the experience is overwhelming and isolating. I was very healthy all my life, no meds, no hospitals, until until the summer of 2019 and I turned 60. I felt like my life was upended. Stay strong and positive Mike!

And, don’t forget your notebook of questions and a pen! Let us know how it goes with your new doctor team!

Yep that was me , it's like my body is being broke from the inside out , I sure will and thanks for all the help ! Mike

@mikej, I'm thinking about you as you prepare for your appointment.
I hope that you will learn about whether or not a liver transplant is necessary or possible for you. A transplant is not a cure-everything procedure, and all chronic conditions will be given serious consideration.

Since a transplantation is a major surgery, it does require some extensive medical inquiry and testing for possible diagnosis and treatment. From reading your recent message, it sounds like you are set for a thorough review. My first visit to the transplant center in my home state, KY, was extremely exhausting and my head was spinning with so much information. My husband was able to attend all sessions with me.

Do you have to fast for early morning labs? My advice is to take water and a snack with you because there might not be time to grab a meal somewhere. Oh - and along with your note pad - a tote bag or small backpack for your water, snack(s) and handout information is going to be essential. Do you have someone going with you?

I don't think so I have had some many test done in the last 6 months they didn't say anything about not eating , they have all my mri s and fibroscans and blood work . No gonna take my self don't like to ask unless I have to , and I have 2 pages of questions , actually probably 1 cause so many have been answered here ! Thank you Mike

Hello Ms. Awesome! Read your posts..hope all goes well with you and the medical experts that r part of your life.
Wishing you a very happy holiday and to know we are all miracles... Praying new year is
Our bests. Jackie